Dec. 20, 2009

Jamaica, NY - UT Arlington dropped a 59-46 decision against UAB at the St. John's Chartwell's Holiday Classic on Sunday, December 20, 2009 in Jamaica, NY.

The Mavericks took a 10-6 lead at the 13:56 mark following a three pointer by Shalyn Martin and extended their advantage to 11 points with 9:03 left in first stanza.

UT Arlington's zone defense affected UAB's offense as the Mavericks held them to just eight points in the first eight minutes.

The Blazers cut into UTA's lead after a 7-0 run sparked by a three at the corner from Amanda Peterson. A pull up jumper by Meghan Nelson put the Mavs up by six at 21-15 with 2:11 left to go. A three point play and Peterson's fourth three tied the game at 21-21 heading into the locker rooms.

The Mavs dominated the boards, out-rebounding the Blazers by a 23-9 margin in the first 20 minutes. UTA did have 16 turnovers in which UAB converted 13 points.

Five turnovers in the opening minutes of the second half by the Mavericks led to a 29-23 lead by the Blazers.

With the Mavs down 33-25 with 11:58 remaining, Nelson and Martin brought UTA within four following a three at the wing and a three point play by Martin.

The Blazers maintained a 10 point lead for most of the second half until a pair of free throws by Nelson brought the Mavs within eight with less than three minutes to play.

UT Arlington struggled offensively in the final minutes of the game as UAB went on to lead by as many as 13 points.

Nelson led the Mavericks with 12 points while Martin missed out on her fifth double-double of the season, finishing with nine points and nine boards.

UTA shot 41.5 percent from the floor, 46.7 percent from three-point range and 53.3 percent from the free throw line.

Up next for the Mavericks is a meeting with Houston Baptist on Wednesday, December 30 in Houston, Texas. Game time is set for 7:05 p.m.